Bill Gates is known as a big philanthropist, and now his own company will commit to the charity work, as well. Microsoft plans to expands the views of humanitarian work, by launching a new organization, Microsoft Philanthropies. Here’s how the Microsoft mission statement sounds like:

“Empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.“

Since Microsoft is one of the biggest technology companies in the world and the aim of Microsoft Philanthropies will be to use technology to help people. Microsoft President, Brad Smith, revealed a few barriers that Microsoft Philanthropies plans to fight:

Poverty limits access to the very tools that can empower people to create a better life for themselves, their families and their communities.

A lack of education – especially in STEM disciplines – limits the ability of people to participate in the opportunities created by the growth of the global economy.

Accessibility remains a key challenge, with too many people with disabilities encountering barriers to using essential new technologies.

People in remote or displaced communities often confront great challenges accessing technology and information when they need it most.

Charitable Work is Important to Microsoft

Smith also said that this organization is really important for Microsoft, as the company ‘must’ work hard towards meeting its ambitions. He has also appointed Mary Snapp, to serve as corporate vice president for Microsoft Philanthropies, and the team will expand in the future. Here are some more details from Brad Smith:

Through Microsoft Philanthropies, we will contribute in new and more impactful ways to a societal ecosystem that connects the benefits of technology to those who need it most and work harder to drive inclusive growth of the global economy. We will strive to bridge gaps within and across communities through more widespread access to technology that enhances the productivity and quality of life for the people of those communities. The opportunity to do this is greater than ever with the power of cloud computing and the potential of data science.

Planned projects were not the part of the announcement, but it looks like Microsoft Philanthropies will take care of all Microsoft’s previously announced and promised charitable work, including a donation of $75 million for the development of youth computer science education over the next three years. Details about new projects of Microsoft Philanthropies will be announced in the near future.

Microsoft also said that its previous projects Eye Gaze solution, and Affordable Access Initiative were given as templates for Microsoft Philanthropies’ future charitable work.